At the opening day of the Max Brenner Chocolate Bar, managers shared their confidence in their business’ staying power in a high-rent area. Global CEO of Max Brenner stores, Sam Borgese, says the decision to open in Bethesda had to do with the city’s growing reputation as a restaurant hub.

“Washington, D.C. is this new culinary center on the East Coast. It’s very competitive to New York, Philly and Boston. There’s a tremendous amount of resurgence of social network that I really think is incredible,” Borgese says of choosing Bethesda as its first U.S. chocolate bar location.

Across from Ri Ra, a new Spanish tapas restaurant Montaditos is under construction, plastered with posters advertising open positions.